Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium scores final funds promise
Published on 15 October 2022
Basketballers and gymnasts have a spring in their step this week, with new and improved courts and the first dedicated community gymnastics facility in Frankston City receiving full support from all three levels of government.
Following a feasibility study, community consultation and extensive advocacy to both state and federal governments, Frankston City Council today welcomes the final funding commitment required to progress the Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium.
Mayor Nathan Conroy joined Liberal Candidates for Frankston and Carrum, Michael O’Reilly and Rebecca Buchanan, Shadow Minister for Sport, Cindy McLeish MP, Frankston District Basketball Association and Bayside Gymnastics Club where an election commitment of $15 million was made towards Council’s key advocacy project.
Frankston City Council Mayor Nathan Conroy said the community's passion for sport was evident throughout the consultation process.
Mayor Conroy added: “Sport helps define us, it entertains us, and it inspires us. It is the beating heart of many communities across Victoria. It’s not only good for our physical health, but it also reduces social isolation and bolsters our mental well-being.
“The Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics stadium will provide a sense of belonging for many in our community. The upgrades allow room for more players, shorter wait times and even more reason to sign up with your local club.
“Today’s announcement now means that regardless of the state election results this November, the Council-endorsed Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium is fully-funded,” Mayor Conroy said.
The Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium will allow more basketball programs, training and competition to operate in state-of-the-art facilities, while enabling gymnastics to deliver an expanded program for more ages and abilities with the equipment they need:
- Construction of two new multi-sport courts.
- Two fully redeveloped multi-sport courts.
- Refurbishment works to bring courts 1, 2, 3 and 4 up to code requirements.
- Gymnastics hall, training pit and support facilities.
- Spectator viewing over gymnastics hall.
- Improved entrances, foyer, amenities, office, kiosk and storage spaces.
- Precinct improvements such as landscaping, pedestrian and cycling access.
- Futureproofing for additional courts.
Mayor Conroy said: “On behalf of Council and Frankston City, I’d like to thank the State Opposition for their commitment towards this important major project.”
Frankston District Basketball Association CEO Wayne Holdsworth said local basketball continues to grow enormously, with their under-8 registrations in girls and boys booming.
“We are delighted to now know that the project is fully funded. We have just exceeded 1,050 teams which is an increase of 20 per cent this year and we are busting at the seams, so additional courts are critical.”
Bayside Gymnastics Club President Joyce Stocker said this is an exciting time for gymnastics in Frankston City, adding: “Our community will now have a dedicated facility where our sport will thrive and grow. Gymnastics is a mostly female-dominated sport available to children from as young as two years old to adults of all ages.
“As a foundation sport, gymnastics offers fun recreational experiences as well as highly skilled technical and competitive sporting pathways that can lead to future elite athletes and Olympians. We are excited to have the opportunity to enhance and expand upon Bayside Gymnastics Club’s offerings, alongside those of other great sport in basketball,” Ms Stocker said.
General Manager of High Performance at Gymnastics Victoria, Simon Gadsden, said the move is a great investment for the community, particularly for young people starting their journey with sports.
“Venues like the proposed Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium provide a gateway for young people to start their journey with sports. Gymnastics provides a foundation for our little ones, helping with the transition to primary school. We’re thrilled with the announcement that the project is now fully funded and thank all parties involved. The future is bright,” Mr Gadsden said.
Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said the redeveloped Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium will be a phenomenal addition to the Victorian basketball infrastructure.
“The announcement is certainly the good news we’ve been hoping for. The additional courts will give more players a chance to take the courts, with upgraded facilities attracting new players across Frankston City,” Mr Honey said.
“We thank all levels of government for their support of sport in Victoria and look forward to working together to create a new, invigorated hub for basketball and gymnastics across the region.”
For more information on the Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium redevelopment, visit Engage Frankston. For more information regarding Frankston City Council’s advocacy, please click here.